Beyond the Walls ~ Conversations with the National Black Theatre at Apple Williamsburg ~ January 31, 2020

As part of the Today at Apple series, Dr. Barbara Ann Teer’s National Black Theatre (NBT) and Apple Williamsburg offer an evening of conversation and exploration with artists including Jillian Walker, Makeba Rainey, Jaimee Todd and Jonathan McCrory discussing the use of the arts, tech and indigenous practices to create visual representations of black womanhood and continue the rich legacy of the Black arts community. A panel discussion with the artists will be followed by an live demonstration with Todd showcasing her creative process in the Procreate painting app and her use of layering, color and other techniques to create abstract portraits. Attendees will then have a chance to gain hands-on experience with Procreate by using iPads and Apple Pencil to interact with Todd’s work and create and share their own art as well on the Apple store’s brilliant 4K video wall.

In conversation, Jonathan McCrory, Obie award-winning artist, artistic director of National Black Theatre and the evening’s moderator; Makeba Rainey, a Harlem-based artist exploring social justice elements of Black Liberation in her work; Jaimee Todd, an acclaimed NYC-based painter and abstract photographer; and Jillian Walker, a multifaceted theater artist whose work aims to make space for healing and liberation. Walker’s play, SKiNFoLK: An American Show, produced by The Bushwick Starr and National Black Theatre, directed by Mei Ann Teo will run February 26 – March 14 at the Bushwick Starr.

For Black History Month, Exclusive: Conversations with the National Black Theatre will be held at the Apple Williamsburg store, 247 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn on Friday, January 31 at 6:30-8:30pm.

Part of NBT’s 51^st season themed “SOUL JOURNEY: NBT Beyond Walls,” the free, hands-on event, will close with a Q&A session between the panelists and attendees.

Read more about The National Black Theatre and East 125th Street, A Work in Progress.